AMBIGUOUS TOPOLOGIES

Ambiguous topologies is an immersive multi-modal spatial installation exploring the tendencies of swarm systems to generate emergent geometric networks as a response to as well as a trigger for movement of multiple bodies in space and time. The installation operates on the subtle fusion of physical and digital media by means of harvesting and impacting the speed and frequency of movement of the participants body as a trigger for activating/disturbing a swarm of digital particles in space. Swarm systems, as a collection of autonomous dynamic particles operate on a tendency model wherein the particles in the immediate vicinity of the physical movement inherit the maximum velocity/charge and are thus displaced from their spatial coordinates to collide and dissipate this gained energy to neighbouring particles. The velocity/charge is thus differentially distributed throughout the entire particle swarm and has a behavioural attribute of generating geometric topological networks and sound values displaying variable densities of connections throughout the space. After reaching a critical mass (as regards the charge levels in the entire swarm) the system behaves pro-actively in order to alter/suggest and motivate the user to engage in novel movement in order to react and engage with this changing persona of the swarming networks. The usage of immersive light and sound projection media in order to visualise this dynamic behavioural scenario renders abstract three dimensional topological nuances within which the body navigates and experiences new states of ambiguity, dis-alignment and proactive behaviour. Technological, human and spatial agency/affordance thus unite into a never-ending looped process of inter-performance through the ambiguous topologies installation.-Jia Rey Chang, Dr. Nimish Biloria, Dieter Vandoren